DANGLING MODIFIER • FREE-TRANSLATOR.COM • Definition of Dangling modifier

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Dangling modifier

noun

A word or phrase apparently modifying an unintended word because of its placement in a sentence: e.g., 'when young' in 'when young, circuses appeal to all of us'. Synonym: misplaced modifier.

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Etymology of 'Dangling modifier'

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"Dangling modifier" Quotes from Famous Books

... of dangling modifier, treated elsewhere in this book, may be briefly mentioned here. A phrase beginning with the adjective due should refer to a noun; otherwise the phrase is left dangling (See 5 Note). An elliptical sentence (one from which words are omitted) ...

— The Century Handbook of Writing • Garland Greever